70 BULLETIN OP THE 



eter to be correct, it will appear that refractions computed for 

 65^ zenith distance by means of temperatures obtained from ther- 

 mometer A are liable to be in error l".1, by thermometer 13 1".2 

 and by thermometer C 1''.6. 



At a zenith distance of 82^ the error from computing from 

 thermometer A might be 5".0, from B 3". 4, and from C 4". 6. 



Other combinations would show similar differences, though in 

 one or two cases of less magnitude ; all, however, indicating a 

 marked uncertainty in the determinations of refractions at con- 

 siderable zenith distances, even in a fixed observatory. 



A communication was received from Mr. T. Antisell, now at 

 Yokohama, 



ON THE METEOKOLOGY OF JAPAN. 



39th Meeting. January 18, 1873. 



The President in the Chair. 

 Mr. R. D. CuTTS read a paper 



on the results op astronomical observations at SHERMAN 

 STATION, WYOMING TERR. 



(ABSTE ACT.) 



The author gave an account of the origin, organization, and 

 results of an expedition for scientific purposes made during the 

 past summer, to Sherman in Wyoming Territory, of which he had 

 the general charge under the instructions of the Superintendent 

 of the Coast Survey. 



The expedition was authorized by Congress at the suggestion 

 of, the American Association for the Advancement of Science, 

 and had for its principal object an astronomical reconnaissance 

 to determine the advantages to be gained in the observation of 

 celestial phenomena by an elevation of the instrument above nearly 

 one-third and the densest portion of the atmosphere. The oppor- 

 tunity was also taken to determine the exact latitude and longi- 

 tude of the station, and to make a series of meteorological 

 observations with a view to obtain some idea of the climatic con- 

 dition of the elevation, and of the fitness of the locality for an 

 extended class of astronomical observations. For these purposes 

 the party consisted of a full corps of observers, provided with 



